Moseley School saw the last of its students exit the building in June 2009. It sat vacant for almost a decade, and many of us in the community wondered what was next for the historic 100-year-old building. This vacancy represented opportunity for Ann Lentini, executive director of Domus, Inc. Domus, Inc, is Westfield’s affordable housing developer.
In 1982, Ann was on the Board of Directors of the Department of Mental Health. While in that role, it became clear to Ann that there was a need for suitable and affordable housing in the community. From this need, Ann founded Domus, Inc. With the help of MBL Housing Development in Northampton, they secured state and federal funding and began renovating and providing the housing that was desperately needed. Renovated properties include the Reed House, The Annex, Rinnova, The Meadows and most recently Moseley School.
The reconstructed building provides 23 units, which include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, including handicap accessible units. The units are filled via lottery. For this particular housing opportunity, 550 families applied. Each unit includes a gorgeously appointed kitchen, a common living/dining space, a bathroom and bedrooms. All original features have been expertly preserved, including the hardwood floors, classroom chalkboards, cabinet built-ins and tin ceilings. The public was invited to tour Moseley School this fall, with many former students and staff in attendance.
Construction: Saloomey Construction, Inc., Otis, Mass.
Landscaping: Graziano Landscaping, East Longmeadow, Mass.; and Plumley Landscaping, Russell, Mass.
Architect: Studio One, Inc., Springfield, Mass.
Appliances: Family Appliance and Mechanical, Inc, Agawam, Mass.